Jesus’ prayers were answered

John 17:20-21

20
“I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching.21 Father, I pray that they can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me.

Think about this prayer offered up by Christ.  It’s amazing!  The context is that He is about to ascend back into heaven to be with His Father.  He had just been praying for His disciples, when He does something astounding in verse 20.  He prays for us…that’s right, you…me…us  If you have chosen to live for Jesus, He prayed specifically for you!  He prayed for all of those who would believe through the message of His disciples.  His prayer has been answered! Think about it:

 

A Ministry Filter

Here is something that I’ve really been passionate about lately in ministry — a filter for the ministry that I lead.  What in the world is a ministry filter?  Read below to find out:

Our ministry filter is based upon the passage a few lines down.  A ministry filter allows us to develop and evaluate everything we say and do through a specific lense.  This allows all areas of our ministry to have purpose and consistency to our vision. 

2 Timothy 1:3-11

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

This passage, and its principles, are the lens through which we view everything we do and say in our High School Ministry.  It is our goal, that a student who graduates from the ministry would be someone who had a faith that thrives and is built around the Power, Love and Self Control of Christ being alive and active in their lives.

• Timothy’s faith was passed down through his family and cultivated by them and Paul (partnership)

• Power: living the exchanged life with Christ. Recognizing Spiritual gifts and strengths, providing opportunities to cultivate and use their gifts in ministry.

• Love: Love for God, love people.  Service. Seeing humanity with Christ’s eyes.

• Self-control: listening to the Spirit.  Walking as Christ walked.  Being led by the Spirit. Growing.

Every time we present a message, we think about this filter.  For example, in my message last week, I focused on the need to “throw off my old self” in order to put on my “new self”, who I truly am in Christ.  This message was filtered through the lense of “Power” and focused on the fact that Christ lives in me and has made me new.  Therefore, my identity is found in who He says that I am.  So, again the whole message (on Ephesians 4:20-24) was presented  through this lense and the fact that there is Power in the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. 

What are your thoughts on this strategy?  Does it make sense?  What strategy do you have?

 

It’s been a while…

I’ve said that a lot lately huh?  But, I am getting back into the blogging thing for good.  I really have always enjoyed writing.  It brings me joy…especially when I am able to express myself and bring others a source of joy or encouragement.  I have always been complimented as a writer, but have never really made it a priority.  Lately, I’ve felt an urge to write and update my blog.  I have been a little “off my game” since my big transition to Florida.  I’m still adjusting to new schedules, routines, environments etc.  But, my thoughts on ministry, our Creator God, sports and family are on the way!  Thanks for those who have patiently encouraged me to write more often!

 

I guess this makes me “Today’s Mama”?

Look what kind of trouble the wife got me into:
A post I wrote after Elle was born is being featured at TodaysMama.com.

My wife thinks this is hilarious. I think she’s jealous she didn’t write it first.

Here is her site:

 

The Need for Discipline?

Moving has not been a walk in the park.  In many ways, it could seem like a sexy idea to pack up and move from Ohio to Florida.  But, it’s been tough.  It certainly hasn’t been smooth sailing.  Luckily, a great, caring and supportive church has helped.  Encouragement from friends has also been uplifting.  More importantly, the reminder of God’s faithful love and pleasure in us, has been our stronghold in this move.

 

What You See is Either Taught or Allowed

“What you see is either taught or allowed.”

A simple phrase that has stuck with me.  I first heard it from a varsity football coach who hired me as a head 8th grade football coach.  The point behind this statement is pretty powerful:

As a coach, whatever product I saw on the field was the result of what had been taught or allowed.  If my players lacked discipline, it was because it was either taught or allowed by me or my staff.  If my team looked unorganized, or disinterested, it’s because it was either taught or allowed.  In football, this is why fundamentals, organization and discipline are so essential for success.  In short, this statement is a great teaching point for leadership of any kind.

Think about this statement in these environments:

 

Thanks Moms!

Seriously, are there any  harder workers than moms?  I think that we would hard pressed  to discover a more demanding job.  Being married to a beautiful mother of a 3 and 1 year old, gives me a crystal clear shot of the effort, love and intentionality it takes to be a good mom.  So, Amber, thanks for all that you do.  Our kids love and adore you.  They reflect your heart and your spirit.  Thanks for your investment in and care for our little ones — they are and will make you make you proud.  God has chosen you for the most important job in the world — thanks for letting Him work through you.

Go Moms!

 

A Ton of Changes…

The Call to Florida…

Well, it’s been forever since I last blogged and there’s good reason for that.  My family and I, after a strong call from God, uprooted 1,200 miles from Canton, Ohio to Tampa, Florida.  The move honestly was a 2 year process.  God had been preparing me for several years for something new with phrases like, “Spread your wings” and “something new.”  There is no doubt that God had a new ministry assignment for me and because of my love for Him, I had to be obedient.  The move has been physically, emotionally and Spiritually draining for many reasons.  I left family, comfort, success, familiarity and influence for something completely new and unknown.  But, without a doubt, God’s hand has been in this process and we feel so blessed to be in Tampa — working with an amazing church.   You can read more about our move here

Needless to say, moving is a crazy process.  But here are a few things I’ve learned about God, leadership and family during this time: